“Just a small town girl, living in a COVID world!!” – Belting out the lyrics to Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing, as I top off my mug of iced tea, getting ready to take a break. Occasionally I like to amuse myself (and others) by adding words to the songs streaming from the speakers in my living room. I couldn’t help but realize it has been over a year since my professional life had changed. The owner of the company I worked for had to make some really tough decisions; unfortunately, my position as well as others, had to be cut. It was only natural to be upset. Who wouldn’t be, right? So many emotions tend to come flooding in at that single moment. Immediately you begin to ask yourself a series of questions. What was I going to do next? Where was I going to start looking for a new job? Should I start my own business now or wait? I essentially had two choices – find another job or start my own business. Then it hit me – it was time for me to start my own business, combining multiple things that I love to do most. My health seemed to be under control; new medication started and it seemed as though my heart was on the mend and I was feeling so much better. My original 5-10 year plan had suddenly turned into my 5-10 month plan. Although a bit nervous, I was looking forward to a new adventure and naturally up for the challenges I was about to face. Some changes had to be occur, some sacrifices made, but my family and friends were behind me all the way. I am a total health & safety geek; motivating, educating, and inspiring others to be healthier and safer is what I do best. Now I had the chance to turn it into a business that I could run out of my home and so, by Christmas last year, my LLC was born and I was preparing to open after the new year began.
I learned quickly that some things happen that you may not have necessarily been fully prepared for. I had officially opened my clothing and merchandise shop earlier this year, then BAM! A worldwide pandemic hit us all. Like so many others, lockdowns began just after we opened our doors. It is moments like this when you begin to question whether you made the right decision or not. Should I have focused on another job opportunity rather than starting my own business? Should I have waited to work towards my future goals and dreams? Should I have waited until the “perfect” timing to start? What if I don’t succeed? What if I don’t make it through this pandemic? It’s amazing how many questions can quickly fill your head, trying to derail you from the things you are trying to achieve. If I learned anything over the years of dealing with heart disease and moments when things got worse and I yearned to get better, its that it will take hard work, dedication, perseverance and the help of just 3 little words to help me to get to where I wanted to be. Those three little words I so often repeated to myself (even to this day) – YES I CAN!!
Regardless of what your goal is; whether it’s related to your health, your relationships or your professional life; in those moments of uncertainty, while you’re having difficulty seeing things through, repeat to yourself, YES I CAN! When you face some hard times and find it a struggle to make it through; repeat to yourself, YES I CAN! There will be obstacles and challenges to overcome, moments you may not want to face; repeat to yourself, YES I CAN! In some instances, something or someone may try to stop you from reaching your goals; in those moments, repeat to yourself – YES I CAN!
Anything is possible when you say to yourself, YES I CAN!!
Making my goals and dreams come true…feel free to stop by and check out my new shop!